Blue Devil boys 2nd, girls 3rd at cross-country opener

WEST BRANCH — It was a great start to the season for the Gaylord High cross-country teams at Thursday’s Dwayne Rau Invitational at Ogemaw Heights.

The Blue Devil boys took second in the meet, while the girls placed third.

“It was a great first effort for the boys, especially with our No. 3 to No. 8 runners,” said Gaylord coach Jeff Kalember. We had a nice, tight pack behind our top two runners.”

Gaylord was edged by Alpena but still placed three top 10 runners, including senior Charlend Howard, who was second (18:02). Classmate Nate Fischer placed fifth (18:40), while junior Sterling McPherson took eighth (18:52).

Senior Noelle Warren, typically a top runner for the Blue Devils, has been nursing a sore Achilles tendon.

“We had great No. 1 through No. 4 runners, but we really need a No. 5 to step up,” Kalember said. “We need someone who rises to the occasion. Overall, taking third behind a tough Alpena squad was a great start.”

The Blue Devils are back in action Saturday at the Charlevoix Mud Run.